For anyone who enjoys food and cooking, summer offers the finest ingredients—fresh local fruits and vegetables from the garden, farmers' market, and grocery—to make any dish superlative. The key is to keep things simple and let the quality of seasonal ingredients shine through. It's so easy, enjoyable, and affordable to indulge your cravings for fresh fruits and vegetables this time of year.
Produce is at its peak in the summertime, so take advantage of in-season:
Apricots: Apricots have a short season that runs from May through July, with some prized varieties (like Blenheims) only available for a few weeks in late June/early July.
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Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers are available as early as May and as late as December, and are at their peak during the summer months.
Avocado: Creamy avocados are typically available year-round, but hit their peak in the summer (at least in California).
Blackberries: Blackberries are available as early as May and as late as October.
Blueberries: Blueberry season typically runs from May through August.
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Cauliflower: Cauliflower is typically available all months, but its peak is in Summer (July and August).
Cherries: Sweet cherries are typically available from April through July.
Corn: Sweet corn is in season from the beginning of June through the early Fall months.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers are at their peak growing time from early summer to mid-fall (June through November).
Eggplant: Look for squat and sturdy globe eggplants and slender Japanese varieties from July through October.
Figs: Figs are typically at markets from late June through early December.
Grapes: Juicy grapes are typically available from July through December.
Honeydew Melon: Honeydew melon's season runs from June to November.
Long Beans: Peak long bean season runs from late summer to early fall. However, in California and Mexico, they grow year-round.
Nectarines: Nectarine season mirrors that of its furry cousin, the peach. They can be ready as early as May and available until late September, but their season is at its peak in July and August.
Okra: Okra season typically runs June through November.
Peaches: Velvety peaches can be ready as early as May and available until late September, but their season is at its peak in July and August.
Plums: Plum season runs from May through September, though it varies slightly from year to year.
Zucchini: Zucchini (and its delectable squash blossoms) is available May through September.
Watermelon: Watermelon season peaks in the summer and lasts from June through October.
Radishes: Although radishes are available year-round, it's during spring and summer months when one can truly appreciate them for their crisp texture and spicy, juicy bite.
Raspberries: Raspberries have, thankfully, a long season that runs from May through early November, with their peak in the summer months.
Strawberries: Strawberries are at their sweetest from April to July, though they are available at farmers markets as early as March and as late as October.
Summer Squash: Summer squash (a category which includes pattypan, crookneck, zucchini, yellow, and other heirloom varieties) is typically available from June through late October.
Tomatoes: From rainbow-hued heirloom varietals to juicy Early Girls to the tiniest grape and cherry versions, tomato season is surprisingly long. Smaller varieties can come to harvest as early as April (but more typically around June) and last till November; larger tomatoes are available through the peak summer and mid-fall months.
